Synergistic pesticidal compositions and related methods

ABSTRACT

A pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridine-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests. A method of protecting a plant from infestation and attack by insects comprises contacting the plant with the synergistic pesticidal composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/894,149, filed Oct. 22, 2013, for “SYNERGISTIC PESTICIDAL COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED METHODS,” pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of compounds having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Nematoda, Arthropoda, and/or Mollusca, processes to produce such compounds and intermediates used in such processes. These compounds may be used, for example, as nematicides, acaricides, miticides, and/or molluscicides.

BACKGROUND

Controlling pest populations is essential to human health, modern agriculture, food storage, and hygiene. There are more than ten thousand species of pests that cause losses in agriculture and the worldwide agricultural losses amount to billions of U.S. dollars each year. Accordingly, there exists a continuous need for new pesticides and for methods of producing and using such pesticides.

The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) has classified insecticides into categories based on the best available evidence of the mode of action of such insecticides. Insecticides in the IRAC Mode of Action Group 5 are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activators, such as spinosyns compounds. The insecticides in this class are believed to cause hyperexcitation of the nervous system of the affected insects. Acetylcholine has been reported as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the insect central nervous system. Examples of insecticides in this class are spinetoram and spinosad.

Spinetoram is a mixture of 3′-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3′-O-ethyl spinosyn L. 3′-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J is (2R,3aR,5aR,5bS,9S,13S,14R,16aS,16bR)-2-(6-deoxy-3-O-ethyl-2,4-di-O-methyl-α-L-mannopyranosyloxy)-13-[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino) tetrahydro-6-methylpyran-2-yloxy]-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-hexadeca hydro-14-methyl-1H-as-indaceno[3,2-d]oxacyclododecine-7,15-dione. 3′-O-ethyl spinosyn L is (2R,3aR,5aS,5bS,9S,13S,14R,16aS,16bS)-2-[(6-deoxy-3-O-ethyl-2,4-di-O-methyl-α-L-manno pyranosyl)oxy]-13-[[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)tetrahydro-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-yl]oxy]-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-tetradecahydro-4,14-dimethyl-1H-asindaceno[3,2-d] oxacyclododecin-7,15-dione.

Spinosad is a mixture of spinosyn A and spinosyn D. Spinosyn A is 2-((6-deoxy-2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-α-L-mannopyranosyl)oxy)-13-(((5-dimethylamino)tetrahydro-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-tetradecahydro-14-methyl-1H-asindaceno(3,2-d)oxacyclododecin-7,15-dione. Spinosyn B is 2-((6-deoxy-2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-a-Lmannopyranosyl)oxy)-13-(((5-dimethylamino)tetrahydro-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-tetradecahydro-4,14-dimethyl-1H-asindaceno(3,2-d)oxacyclododecin-7,15-dione.

Although the rotational application of pesticides having different modes of action may be adopted for good pest management practice, this approach does not necessarily give satisfactory pest control. Furthermore, even though combinations of pests have been studied, a high synergistic action has not always been found.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “synergistic effect” or grammatical variations thereof means and includes a cooperative action encountered in a combination of two or more active compounds in which the combined activity of the two or more active compounds exceeds the sum of the activity of each active compound alone.

The term “synergistically effective amount,” as used herein, means and includes an amount of two or more active compounds that provides a synergistic effect defined above.

The term “pesticidally effective amount,” as used herein, means and includes an amount of active pesticide that causes an adverse effect to the at least one pest, wherein the adverse effect may include deviations from natural development, killing, regulation, or the like.

As used herein, the term “control” or grammatical variations thereof means and includes regulating the number of living pests or regulating the number of viable eggs of the pests or both.

The term “nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator compound,” as used herein, means and includes any insecticides that are classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC), based on the best available evidence of the mode of action, to be within the IRAC Mode of Action Group 5.

In one particular embodiment, a pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator compound (hereinafter “nAChR allosteric activator compound”) in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

It is appreciated that a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof may be oxidized to the corresponding sulfone in the presence of oxygen.

As shown in the examples, the existence of synergistic effect is determined using the method described in Colby S. R., “Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations,” Weeds, 1967, 15, 20-22.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the pesticidal composition of the present disclosure has superior pest control at lower levels of the combined concentrations of the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof employed than that which may be achieved when the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof are applied alone. In other words, the synergistic pesticidal composition is not a mere admixture of two active compounds resulting in the aggregation of the properties of the active compounds employed in the composition.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal compositions may comprise a synergistically effective amount of a spinosyn-based compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

In other embodiments, the pesticidal compositions may comprise a synergistically effective amount of a pesticide selected from (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in combination with at least one of spinetoram and spinosad.

In further embodiments, the pesticidal compositions may comprise a synergistically effective amount of spinetoram in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

TABLE 1A Range of the Weight Ratio of Pesticide I or II No. to nAChR Allosteric Activator Compound 1 20:1 to 1:20 2 15:1 to 1:15 3 10:1 to 1:10 4 5:1 to 1:5 5 4:1 to 1:4 6 3:1 to 1:3 7 2:1 to 1:2 8 1:1

Table 1A shows weight ratios of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound in the synergistic pesticidal compositions. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 20:1 and about 1:20. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 15:1 and about 1:15. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 10:1 and about 1:10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 5:1 and about 1:5. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 4:1 and about 1:4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 3:1 and about 1:3. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 2:1 and about 1:2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be about 1:1. Additionally, the weight ratio limits of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound in the aforementioned embodiments may be interchangeable. By way of non-limiting example, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 1:3 and about 20:1.

TABLE 1B nAChR 20 X, Y X, Y allosteric 15 X, Y X, Y X, Y activator 10 X, Y X, Y compound 5 X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y (Y) Parts 4 X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y by 3 X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y weihgt 2 X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y 1 X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y X, Y 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20 Pesticide (I or II) (X) Parts by weight

Ranges of weight ratios of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound envisioned to be synergistic pesticidal compositions may be depicted as X₁:Y₁ to X₂:Y₂, wherein X and Y are defined as above. In one particular embodiment, the range of weight ratios may be X₁:Y₁ to X₂:Y₂, wherein X₁>Y₁ and X₂<Y₂. By way of non-limiting example, the range of weight ratios of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 3:1 and about 1:3. In some embodiments, the range of weight ratios may be X₁:Y₁ to X₂:Y₂, wherein X₁>Y₁ and X₂>Y₂. By way of non-limiting example, the range of weight ratios of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 15:1 and about 3:1. In further embodiments, the range of weight ratios may be X₁:Y₁ to X₂:Y₂, wherein X₁<Y₁ and X₂<Y₂. By way of non-limiting example, the range of weight ratios of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be between about 1:3 and about 1:20.

Table 1C shows weight ratios of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound in the synergistic pesticidal compositions, according to particular embodiments of present disclosure. In some particular embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be no more than about 10256:1. In further embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be no more than about 32:1. In further embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be no more than about 8:1. In yet further embodiments, the weight ratio of the pesticide to the nAChR allosteric activator compound may be no more than about 0.40:1.

TABLE 1C Weight Ratio of Dose Rate Dose Rate of nAChR Pesticide (I or II) to nAChR Of Pesticide Allosteric Activator Allosteric (I or II) (weight %) Compound (weight %) Activator Compound 0.04 0.0000039 ≦10256:1   0.04 0.00125 ≦32:1  0.04 0.005 ≦8:1 0.0025 0.0003125 ≦8:1 0.0020 0.005 ≦0.40:1  

The weight ratio of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound in the synergistic pesticidal composition may be varied and different from those described in table 1A, table 1B, and table 1C. One skilled in the art recognizes that the synergistic effective amount of the combination of active compounds may vary accordingly to various prevailing conditions. Non-limiting examples of such prevailing conditions may include the type of pests, the type of crops, the mode of application, the application timing, the weather conditions, the soil conditions, the topographical character, or the like. It is understood that one skilled in the art may readily determine the synergistic effective amount of the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide accordingly to the prevailing conditions.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may comprise a synergistically effective amount of a nAChR allosteric activator compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoro propyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoro propyl) sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and a phytologically-acceptable inert carrier (e.g., solid carrier, or liquid carrier).

In further embodiments, the pesticidal composition may further comprise at least one additive selected from a surfactant, a stabilizer, an emetic agent, a disintegrating agent, an antifoaming agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a binding agent, dye, filler, or combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments, each of the active compounds (a nAChR allosteric activator compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof) may be formulated separately as a wettable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, aqueous or liquid flowable, suspension concentrate or any one of the conventional formulations used for pesticides, and then tank-mixed in the field with water or other liquid for application as a liquid spray mixture. When desired, the separately formulated pesticides may also be applied sequentially.

In some embodiments, the synergistic pesticidal composition may be formulated into a more concentrated primary composition, which is then diluted with water or other diluent before use. In such embodiments, the synergistic pesticidal composition may further comprise a surface active agent.

In one particular embodiment, the method of protecting a plant from infestation and attack by insects comprises contacting the plant with a pesticidal composition comprising a synergistically effective amount of a nAChR allosteric activator compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal compositions may be in the form of solid. Non-limiting examples of the solid forms may include powder, dust or granular formulations.

In other embodiments, the pesticidal compositions may be in the form of liquid formulation. Examples of the liquid forms may include, but are not limited to, dispersion, suspension, emulsion or solution in appropriate liquid carrier. In particular embodiments, the synergistic pesticidal compositions may be in the form of liquid dispersion, wherein the synergistic pesticidal compositions may be dispersed in water or other agriculturally suitable liquid carrier.

In certain embodiments, the synergistic pesticidal compositions may be in the form of solution in an appropriate organic solvent. In one embodiment, the spray oils, which are widely used in agricultural chemistry, may be used as the organic solvent for the synergistic pesticidal compositions.

In one particular embodiment, the method of controlling pests comprises applying a pesticidal composition near a population of pests, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a nAChR allosteric activator compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the method of controlling pests comprises applying a pesticidal composition near a population of pests, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a spinosyn-based compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

In other embodiments, the method of controlling pests comprises applying a pesticidal composition near a population of pests, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in combination with at least one of spinetoram and spinosad.

In further embodiments, the method of controlling pests comprises applying a pesticidal composition near a population of pests, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of spinetoram in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.

The control of pests may be achieved by applying a pesticidally effective amount of the synergistic pesticidal compositions in form of sprays, topical treatment, gels, seed coatings, microcapsulations, systemic uptake, baits, eartags, boluses, foggers, fumigants aerosols, dusts, or the like.

These disclosed pesticidal compositions may be used, for example, as nematicides, acaricides, miticides, and/or molluscicides.

The pesticidal composition of the present disclosure may be used to control a wide variety of insects. As a non-limiting example, in one or more embodiments, the pesticidal composition may be used to control one or more members of at least one of Phylum Arthropoda, Phylum Nematoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Subphylum Myriapoda, Subphylum Hexapoda, Class Insecta, Class Arachnida, and Class Symphyla. In at least some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control one or more members of at least one of Class Insecta and Class Arachnida.

As a non-limiting example, in one or more embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control one or more members of at least one of Phylum Arthropoda, Phylum Nematoda, Subphylum Chelicerata, Subphylum Myriapoda, Subphylum Hexapoda, Class Insecta, Class Arachnida, and Class Symphyla. In at least some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control one or more members of at least one of Class Insecta and Class Arachnida.

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Coleoptera (beetles) including, but not limited to, Acanthoscelides spp. (weevils), Acanthoscelides obtectus (common bean weevil), Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), Agriotes spp. (wireworms), Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle), Anthonomus spp. (weevils), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aphidius spp., Apion spp. (weevils), Apogonia spp. (grubs), Ataenius spretulus (Black Turfgrass Ataenius), Atomaria linearis (pygmy mangold beetle), Aulacophore spp., Bothynoderes punctiventris (beet root weevil), Bruchus spp. (weevils), Bruchus pisorum (pea weevil), Cacoesia spp., Callosobruchus maculatus (southern cow pea weevil), Carpophilus hemipteras (dried fruit beetle), Cassida vittata, Cerosterna spp., Cerotoma spp. (chrysomelids), Cerotoma trifurcata (bean leaf beetle), Ceutorhynchus spp. (weevils), Ceutorhynchus assimilis (cabbage seedpod weevil), Ceutorhynchus napi (cabbage curculio), Chaetocnema spp. (chrysomelids), Colaspis spp. (soil beetles), Conoderus scalaris, Conoderus stigmosus, Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), Cotinus nitidis (Green June beetle), Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), Cryptolestes pusillus (flat grain beetle), Cryptolestes turcicus (Turkish grain beetle), Ctenicera spp. (wireworms), Curculio spp. (weevils), Cyclocephala spp. (grubs), Cylindrocpturus adspersus (sunflower stem weevil), Deporaus marginatus (mango leaf-cutting weevil), Dermestes lardarius (larder beetle), Dermestes maculates (hide beetle), Diabrotica spp. (chrysomelids), Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle), Faustinus cubae, Hylobius pales (pales weevil), Hypera spp. (weevils), Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil), Hyperdoes spp. (Hyperodes weevil), Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry beetle), Ips spp. (engravers), Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Liogenys fuscus, Liogenys suturalis, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus spp. (wood beetles/powder post beetles), Maecolaspis joliveti, Megascelis spp., Melanotus communis, Meligethes spp., Meligethes aeneus (blossom beetle), Melolontha melolontha (common European cockchafer), Oberea brevis, Oberea linearis, Oryctes rhinoceros (date palm beetle), Oryzaephilus mercator (merchant grain beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle), Otiorhynchus spp. (weevils), Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), Oulema oryzae, Pantomorus spp. (weevils), Phyllophaga spp. (May/June beetle), Phyllophaga cuyabana (chrysomelids), Phynchites spp., Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle), Prostephanus truncates (larger grain borer), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), Rhizotrogus spp. (European chafer), Rhynchophorus spp. (weevils), Scolytus spp. (wood beetles), Shenophorus spp. (Billbug), Sitona lineatus (pea leaf weevil), Sitophilus spp. (grain weevils), Sitophilus granaries (granary weevil), Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle), Tribolium spp. (flour beetles), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Tribolium confusum (confused flour beetle), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle), and Zabrus tenebioides.

In other embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may also be used to control members of the Order Dermaptera (earwigs).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Dictyoptera (cockroaches) including, but is not limited to, Blattella germanica (German cockroach), Blatta orientalis (oriental cockroach), Parcoblatta pennylvanica, Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Periplaneta australoasiae (Australian cockroach), Periplaneta brunnea (brown cockroach), Periplaneta fuliginosa (smokybrown cockroach), Pyncoselus suninamensis (Surinam cockroach), and Supella longipalpa (brownbanded cockroach).

In further embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Diptera (true flies) including, but is not limited to, Aedes spp. (mosquitoes), Agromyza frontella (alfalfa blotch leafminer), Agromyza spp. (leaf miner flies), Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies), Anastrepha suspensa (Caribbean fruit fly), Anopheles spp. (mosquitoes), Bactrocera spp. (fruit flies), Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon fly), Bactrocera dorsalis (oriental fruit fly), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies), Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly), Chrysops spp. (deer flies), Cochliomyia spp. (screwworms), Contarinia spp. (Gall midges), Culex spp. (mosquitoes), Dasineura spp. (gall midges), Dasineura brassicae (cabbage gall midge), Delia spp., Delia platura (seedcorn maggot), Drosophila spp. (vinegar flies), Fannia spp. (filth flies), Fannia canicularis (little house fly), Fannia scalaris (latrine fly), Gasterophilus intestinalis (horse bot fly), Gracillia perseae, Haematobia irritans (horn fly), Hylemyia spp. (root maggots), Hypoderma lineatum (common cattle grub), Liriomyza spp. (leafminer flies), Liriomyza brassica (serpentine leafminer), Liriomyza sativae (vegetable leafminer), Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked), Musca spp. (muscid flies), Musca autumnalis (face fly), Musca domestica (house fly), Oestrus ovis (sheep bot fly), Oscinella frit (frit fly), Pegomyia betae (beet leafminer), Phorbia spp., Psila rosae (carrot rust fly), Rhagoletis cerasi (cherry fruit fly), Rhagoletis pomonella (apple maggot), Sitodiplosis mosellana (orange wheat blossom midge), Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly), Tabanus spp. (horse flies), and Tipula spp. (crane flies).

In other embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Hemiptera Sub-order Heteroptera (true bugs) including, but is not limited to, Acrosternum hilare (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), Bragada hilaris, Calocoris norvegicus (potato mirid), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelops furcatus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton stainer), Edessa meditabunda, Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus (brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora (tea blight plantbug), Lagynotomus spp. (stink bugs), Leptocorisa oratorius, Leptocorisa varicornis, Lygus spp. (plant bugs), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Lygus lineolaris (tarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpus longirostris, Nezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Phytocoris spp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris californicus, Phytocoris relativus, Piezodorus guildinii (redbanded stink bug), Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug), Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea, and Triatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs/kissing bugs).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Hemiptera, Sub-orders Auchenorrhyncha (Free-living Hemipterans) and Sternorrhyncha (Plant-parasitic Hemipterans) (aphids, scales, whiteflies, leaflhoppers) including, but is not limited to, Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp. (adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicus disperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp., Amrasca bigutella bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxglove aphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid), Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia rehi, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens (red wax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus aonidum (Florida red scale) Coccus spp. (scales), Coccus pseudomagnoliarum (citricola scale), Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), Empoasca spp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), Idioscopus nitidulus (mango leafhopper), Laodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper), Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarva frimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictis longicornis, Myzus spp., Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettix spp. (leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), Paratrioza cockerelli (tomato psyllid), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale), Parlatoria ziziphi (ebony scale), Peregrinus maidis (corn delphacid), Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Planococcus spp. (mealybugs), Planococcus citri (citrus mealybug), Planococcus ficus (grape mealybug), Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine apple mealybug), Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale), Rhopalosiphum spp. (aphids), Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum padi (oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (black scale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid), Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp. (aphids), Toumeyella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids), Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp. (scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale), and Zulia entreriana. In at least some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control Myzus persicae.

In other embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, and sawflies) including, but not limited to, Acromyrrmex spp., Athalia rosae, Atta spp. (leafcutting ants), Camponotus spp. (carpenter ants), Diprion spp. (sawflies), Formica spp. (ants), Iridomyrmex humilis (Argentine ant), Monomorium spp., Monomorium minumum (little black ant), Monomorium pharaonis (Pharaoh ant), Neodiprion spp. (sawflies), Pogonomyrmex spp. (harvester ants), Polistes spp. (paper wasps), Solenopsis spp. (fire ants), Tapoinoma sessile (odorous house ant), Tetranomorium spp. (pavement ants), Vespula spp. (yellow jackets), and Xylocopa spp. (carpenter bees).

In certain embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Isoptera (termites) including, but not limited to, Coptotermes spp., Coptotermes curvignathus, Coptotermes frenchii, Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite), Cornitermes spp. (nasute termites), Cryptotermes spp. (drywood termites), Heterotermes spp. (desert subterranean termites), Heterotermes aureus, Kalotermes spp. (drywood termites), Incistitermes spp. (drywood termites), Macrotermes spp. (fungus growing termites), Marginitermes spp. (drywood termites), Microcerotermes spp. (harvester termites), Microtermes obesi, Procornitermes spp., Reticulitermes spp. (subterranean termites), Reticulitermes banyulensis, Reticulitermes grassei, Reticulitermes flavipes (eastern subterranean termite), Reticulitermes hageni, Reticulitermes hesperus (western subterranean termite), Reticulitermes santonensis, Reticulitermes speratus, Reticulitermes tibialis, Reticulitermes virginicus, Schedorhinotermes spp., and Zootermopsis spp. (rotten-wood termites).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) including, but not limited to, Achoea janata, Adoxophyes spp., Adoxophyes orana, Agrotis spp. (cutworms), Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm), Alabama argillacea (cotton leafworm), Amorbia cuneana, Amyelosis transitella (navel orangeworm), Anacamptodes defectaria, Anarsia lineatella (peach twig borer), Anomis sabulifera (jute looper), Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar), Archips argyrospila (fruittree leafroller), Archips rosana (rose leaf roller), Argyrotaenia spp. (tortricid moths), Argyrotaenia citrana (orange tortrix), Autographa gamma, Bonagota cranaodes, Borbo cinnara (rice leaf folder), Bucculatrix thurberiella (cotton leafperforator), Caloptilia spp. (leaf miners), Capua reticulana, Carposina niponensis (peach fruit moth), Chilo spp., Chlumetia transversa (mango shoot borer), Choristoneura rosaceana (obliquebanded leafroller), Chrysodeixis spp., Cnaphalocerus medinalis (grass leafroller), Colias spp., Conpomorpha cramerella, Cossus cossus (carpenter moth), Crambus spp. (Sod webworms), Cydiafunebrana (plum fruit moth), Cydia molesta (oriental fruit moth), Cydia nignicana (pea moth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Darna diducta, Diaphania spp. (stem borers), Diatraea spp. (stalk borers), Diatraea saccharalis (sugarcane borer), Diatraea graniosella (southwester corn borer), Earias spp. (bollworms), Earias insulata (Egyptian bollworm), Earias vitella (rough northern bollworm), Ecdytopopha aurantianum, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), Epiphysias postruttana (light brown apple moth), Ephestia spp. (flour moths), Ephestia cautella (almond moth), Ephestia elutella (tobbaco moth), Ephestia kuehniella (Mediterranean flour moth), Epimeces spp., Epinotia aporema, Erionota thrax (banana skipper), Eupoecilia ambiguella (grape berry moth), Euxoa auxiliaris (army cutworm), Feltia spp. (cutworms), Gortyna spp. (stemborers), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), Hedylepta indicata (bean leaf webber), Helicoverpa spp. (noctuid moths), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (bollworm/corn earworm), Heliothis spp. (noctuid moths), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm), Indarbela spp. (root borers), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), Leucinodes orbonalis (eggplant fruit borer), Leucoptera malifoliella, Lithocollectis spp., Lobesia botrana (grape fruit moth), Loxagrotis spp. (noctuid moths), Loxagrotis albicosta (western bean cutworm), Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Lyonetia clerkella (apple leaf miner), Mahasena corbetti (oil palm bagworm), Malacosoma spp. (tent caterpillars), Mamestra brassicae (cabbage armyworm), Maruca testulalis (bean pod borer), Metisa plana (bagworm), Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm), Neoleucinodes elegantalis (small tomato borer), Nymphula depunctalis (rice caseworm), Operophthera brumata (winter moth), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Oxydia vesulia, Pandemis cerasana (common currant tortrix), Pandemis heparana (brown apple tortrix), Papilio demodocus, Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm), Peridroma spp. (cutworms), Peridroma saucia (variegated cutworm), Perileucoptera coffeella (white coffee leafminer), Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth), Phyllocnisitis citrella, Phyllonorycter spp. (leafminers), Pieris rapae (imported cabbageworm), Plathypena scabra, Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), Polychrosis viteana (grape berry moth), Prays endocarps, Prays oleae (olive moth), Pseudaletia spp. (noctuid moths), Pseudaletia unipunctata (armyworm), Pseudoplusia includens (soybean looper), Rachiplusia nu, Scirpophaga incertulas, Sesamia spp. (stemborers), Sesamia inferens (pink rice stem borer), Sesamia nonagrioides, Setora nitens, Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth), Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera spp. (armyworms), Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm), Spodoptera fugiperda (fall armyworm), Spodoptera oridania (southern armyworm), Synanthedon spp. (root borers), Thecla basilides, Thermisia gemmatalis, Tineola bisselliella (webbing clothes moth), Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper), Tuta absoluta, Yponomeuta spp., Zeuzera coffeae (red branch borer), and Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth). In at least some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control Spodoptera exigua.

The method of the present disclosure may be used to also control members of the Order Mallophaga (chewing lice) including, but not limited to, Bovicola ovis (sheep biting louse), Menacanthus stramineus (chicken body louse), and Menopon gallinea (common hen louse).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Orthoptera (grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets) including, but not limited to, Anabrus simplex (Mormon cricket), Gryllotalpidae (mole crickets), Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp. (grasshoppers), Microcentrum retinerve (angularwinged katydid), Pterophylla spp. (kaydids), chistocerca gregaria, Scudderia furcata (forktailed bush katydid), and Valanga nigricorni.

In other embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Phthiraptera (sucking lice) including, but not limited to, Haematopinus spp. (cattle and hog lice), Linognathus ovillus (sheep louse), Pediculus humanus capitis (human body louse), Pediculus humanus humanus (human body lice), and Pthirus pubis (crab louse).

In particular embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Siphonaptera (fleas) including, but not limited to, Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea), Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), and Pulex irritans (human flea).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Thysanoptera (thrips) including, but not limited to, Caliothrips fasciatus (bean thrips), Caliothrips phaseoli, Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips), Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), Frankliniella shultzei, Frankliniella williamsi (corn thrips), Heliothfips haemorrhaidalis (greenhouse thrips), Riphiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips), Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips), Taeniothrips rhopalantennalis, Thrips spp., Thrips tabaci (onion thrips), and Thrips hawaiiensis (Hawaiian flower thrips).

The method of the present disclosure may be used to also control members of the Order Thysanura (bristletails) including, but not limited to, Lepisma spp. (silverfish) and Thermobia spp. (firebrats).

In further embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Acari (mites and ticks) including, but not limited to, Acarapsis woodi (tracheal mite of honeybees), Acarus spp. (food mites), Acarus siro (grain mite), Aceria mangiferae (mango bud mite), Aculops spp., Aculops lycopersici (tomato russet mite), Aculops pelekasi, Aculus pelekassi, Aculus schlechtendali (apple rust mite), Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick), Boophilus spp. (ticks), Brevipalpus obovatus (privet mite), Brevipalpus phoenicis (red and black flat mite), Demodex spp. (mange mites), Dermacentor spp. (hard ticks), Dermacentor variabilis (american dog tick), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (house dust mite), Eotetranycus spp., Eotetranychus carpini (yellow spider mite), Epitimerus spp., Eriophyes spp., Ixodes spp. (ticks), Metatetranycus spp., Notoedres cati, Oligonychus spp., Oligonychus coffee, Oligonychus ilicus (southern red mite), Panonychus spp., Panonychus citri (citrus red mite), Panonychus ulmi (European red mite), Phyllocoptruta oleivora (citrus rust mite), Polyphagotarsonemun latus (broad mite), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick), Rhizoglyphus spp. (bulb mites), Sarcoptes scabiei (itch mite), Tegolophus perseaflorae, Tetranychus spp., Tetranychus urticae (twospotted spider mite), and Varroa destructor (honey bee mite).

In additional embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control members of the Order Nematoda (nematodes) including, but not limited to, Aphelenchoides spp. (foliar nematodes), Belonolaimus spp. (sting nematodes), Criconemella spp. (ring nematodes), Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm), Ditylenchus spp. (stem and bulb nematodes), Heterodera spp. (cyst nematodes), Heterodera zeae (corn cyst nematode), Hirschmanniella spp. (root nematodes), Hoplolaimus spp. (lance nematodes), Meloidogyne spp. (root knot nematodes), Meloidogyne incognita (root knot nematode), Onchocerca volvulus (hook-tail worm), Pratylenchus spp. (lesion nematodes), Radopholus spp. (burrowing nematodes), and Rotylenchus reniformis (kidney-shaped nematode).

In at least some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure may be used to control at least one insect in one or more of the Orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Siphonaptera, and at least one mite in the Order Acari.

In particular embodiments, the method of controlling an insect may comprise applying a pesticidal composition near a population of insects, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a nAChR allosteric activator compound in combination with a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and wherein the insects comprise sap feeding insects, chewing insects, or both.

In other embodiments, the method of controlling an insect may comprise applying a pesticidal composition near a population of insects, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and at least one of spinetoram and spinosad, wherein the insects comprise sap feeding insects, chewing insects, or both.

In further embodiments, the method of controlling an insect may comprise applying a pesticidal composition near a population of insects, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a spinosyns-based compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein the insects comprise at least one of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella; cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii; South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros; Western plant bug, and Lygus Hesperus.

In yet further embodiments, the method of controlling an insect may comprise applying a pesticidal composition near a population of insects, wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of spinetoram and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and wherein the insects comprise at least one of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella; cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii; South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros; Western plant bug, and Lygus Hesperus.

In one embodiment of present disclosure, the pesticidal composition may be used in conjunction (such as, in a compositional mixture, or a simultaneous or sequential application) with one or more compounds having acaricidal, algicidal, avicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, herbicidal, insecticidal, molluscicidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal, and/or virucidal properties.

In another embodiment of present disclosure, the pesticidal composition may be used in conjunction (such as, in a compositional mixture, or a simultaneous or sequential application) with one or more compounds that are antifeedants, bird repellents, chemosterilants, herbicide safeners, insect attractants, insect repellents, mammal repellents, mating disrupters, plant activators, plant growth regulators, and/or synergists.

The pesticidal compositions of present disclosure show a synergistic effect, providing superior pest control at lower pesticidally effective amounts of the combined active compounds than when a nAChR allosteric activator compound or a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is used alone.

The pesticidal compositions of present disclosure may have high synergistic pest control and allow for a lower effective dosage rate, an increased environmental safety, and a reduced incidence of pest resistance.

The following examples serve to explain embodiments of the present invention in more detail. These examples should not be construed as being exhaustive or exclusive as to the scope of this disclosure.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of 3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanoyl chloride

A dry five-liter round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer, nitrogen inlet, reflux condenser, and thermometer, was charged with 3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanoic acid (prepared as described in the PCT Publication No. WO 2013/062981 to Niyaz et al.) (188 g, 883 mmol) in dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) (3 L). Thionyl chloride (525 g, 321 mL, 4.42 mol) was added dropwise over 50 minutes. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux (about 36° C.) for two hours, then cooled to room temperature (about 22° C.). The resulting mixture was concentrated under vacuum on a rotary evaporator, followed by distillation (40 Torr, product collected at a temperature of from about 123° C. to about 127° C.) to provide the title compound as a clear colorless liquid (177.3 g, 86%): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 3.20 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.86 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.78-2.67 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.31 (m, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −66.42, −66.43, −66.44, −66.44.

Example 2 Preparation of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I)

To a solution of 3-chloro-N-ethyl-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-amine (prepared as described in the U.S. Publication No. 2012/0110702 to Yap et al.) (10 g, 44.9 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) at a temperature of about 0° C. and under N₂ was added pyridine (5.45 mL, 67.4 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (2.74 g, 22.45 mmol), and 3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanoyl chloride (9.91 g, 44.9 mmol), sequentially. The reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for one hour. The reaction mixture was poured into water (100 mL), and the resulting mixture was stirred for five minutes. The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel, and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×50 mL), and the combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified via normal phase flash chromatography (0% to 100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂) to provide the desired product as a pale yellow solid (17.21 g, 89%): IR (thin film) 1659 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.95 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (dd, J=4.7, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (ddd, J=8.3, 2.7, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J=8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.84 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.66 (m, 2H), 237 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (m, 2H), 1.17 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ESIMS m/z 409 ([M+2H]).

Example 3 Preparation of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II)

To a solution of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I) (500 mg, 1.229 mmol) in hexafluoroisopropanol (5 mL) stirring at room temperature was added 30% hydrogen peroxide (523 mg, 4.92 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes. It was quenched with saturated sodium sulfite solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. Silica gel chromatography (0%-10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) gave the title compound as white semi-solid (495 mg, 95%): IR (thin film) 1660 cm′; ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.96 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (dd, J=4.7, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.07-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.46 (ddd, J=8.3, 4.8, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 3.85-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.23-3.08 (m, 1H), 3.03-2.76 (m, 3H), 2.74-2.52 (m, 4H), 1.18 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ESIMS m/z 423 ([M+H]).

Example 4 Determination of the Existence of Synergic Effect

The method described in Colby S. R., “Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations,” Weeds, 1967, 15, 20-22 was used to determine an existence of synergic effect between the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the formulated pesticidal composition. In this method, the percent insect control of the formulated pesticidal composition as observed in the study was compared to the “expected” percent control (E) as calculated by equation (1) (hereinafter “Colby's equation”) below:

$\begin{matrix} {E = {X + Y - \left( \frac{XY}{100} \right)}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

where

X is the percentage of control with the first pesticide at a given rate (p),

Y is the percentage of control with the second pesticide at a given rate (q), and

E is the expected control by the first and second pesticide at a rate of p+q.

If the observed percent control of the formulated pesticidal is greater than E, there is a synergistic effect between the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the formulated pesticidal composition. If the observed percent control of the formulated pesticidal is equaled to or less than E, there is no synergistic effect between the nAChR allosteric activator compound and the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the formulated pesticidal composition.

Example 5 Synergistic Effect of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II) and Spinetoram Against Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover)

A pesticidal composition was prepared by thoroughly mixing about 0.0020 weight % of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl) propanamide (hereinafter “compound II”) with about 0.005 weight % of spinetoram.

Cotton plants at cotyledon stage were treated with different active compounds using track sprayer. Wingless mixed aphid stages of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), were infested onto each plant. The percent control determined three days after the treatment were as shown in table 2. The percent control of the pesticidal composition against cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), was determined as the “Observed” action, and compared to those obtained by using about 0.0020 weight % of compound II, and using about 0.005 weight % of spinetoram alone. The “Colby's Expected Action” was calculated using Colby's equation as discussed previously.

As shown in table 2, the observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against the cotton aphid (59%) was higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation (29.4%). This was 100% improvement over the Colby's expected action. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising 0.0020 weight % of compound II and about 0.005 weight % of spinetoram showed synergistic effect against cotton aphid.

TABLE 2 % Control Treatment for Dose Rate Three Days Cotton Aphid (weight %) After Treatment Compound II 0.0020 28% Spinetoram 0.005  2% Compound II (+) Spinetoram 0.0020 + 0.005 59% Observed Action Compound II (+)Spinetoram 0.0020 + 0.005 29.4%   Colby's Expected Action Compound II (+) Spinetoram 0.0020 + 0.005 29.6%   Differences: Observed vs. Expected

Example 6

Synergistic Effect of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II) and Spinetoram Against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella

A pesticidal composition was prepared by thoroughly mixing about 0.0025 weight % of compound II with about 0.0003125 weight % of spinetoram.

Bioassays were performed for different active compounds. Cabbage plants with about two to three new-growth-true leaf stage were treated with different active compounds using a track sprayer at a volume of 400 L/Ha. Three second instar diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, were infested onto each leaf disc. The percent control determined three days after the treatment were as shown in table 3. The percent control of the pesticidal composition against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, was determined as the “Observed” action, and compared to those obtained by using about 0.0025 weight % of compound II, and using about 0.0003125 weight % of spinetoram alone. The “Colby's Expected Action” was calculated using Colby's equation as discussed previously.

TABLE 3 % Control Three Days Treatment for Dose Rate After Diamondback Moth (weight %) Treatment Compound II 0.0025 12.5% Spinetoram 0.0003125 54.17%  Compound II (+) Spinetoram 0.0025 + 0.0003125   75% Observed Action Compound II (+) Spinetoram 0.0025 + 0.0003125 59.9% Colby's Expected Action Compound II (+) Spinetoram 0.0025 + 0.0003125 15.1% Differences: Observed vs. Expected

As shown in table 3, the observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against diamondback moth (75%) was higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation (59.9%). This was 25% improvement over the Colby's expected action. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising 0.0025 weight % of compound II and about 0.0003125 weight % of spinetoram showed synergistic effect against diamondback moth.

Example 7 Synergistic Effect of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I) and Spinetoram Against South American Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros

A pesticidal composition was prepared by thoroughly mixing about 0.04 weight % of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio) propanamide (hereinafter “compound I”) with about 0.0000039 weight % of spinetoram.

The active compounds were formulated in a 10% acetone solution with 0.025% non-ionic surfactant, TWEEN® 20. Bioassays were performed for each different active solution. Bean pieces (about one inch-long) were used for the tests. Four bean pieces were placed in each tested active solution and left there for 10 minutes. Bean pieces were taken out of the active solution, and each piece was placed in a well in a 32-well tray and allowed to air dry. Three third-instar nymphs of South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, were infested into each well. The percent control determined after four days of the treatment were as shown in table 4. The percent control of the pesticidal composition against South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, was determined as the “Observed” action, and compared to those obtained by using about 0.04 weight % of compound I, and using about 0.0000039 weight % of spinetoram alone. The “Colby's Expected Action” was calculated using Colby's equation as discussed previously.

TABLE 4 % Control Four Days Treatment for Dose Rate After Brown Stink Bug (weight %) Treatment Compound I 0.04  8% Spinetoram 0.0000039 25% Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.0000039 58% Observed Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.0000039 31% Colby's Expected Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.0000039 27% Differences: Observed vs. Expected

As shown in table 4, the observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against brown stink bug (58%) was higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation (31%). This was 27% improvement over the Colby's expected action. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising 0.04 weight % of compound I and about 0.0000039 weight % of spinetoram showed synergistic effect against South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros.

Example 8 Synergistic Effect of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I) and Spinetoram Against Western Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus (Knight) Example 8A

A pesticidal composition was prepared by thoroughly mixing about 0.04 weight % of compound I with about 0.00125 weight % of spinetoram.

The active compounds were formulated in a 10% acetone solution with 0.025% non-ionic surfactant, TWEEN® 20. Bioassays were performed for each different active solution. Bean pieces (about one inch-long) were used for the tests. Four bean pieces were placed in each tested active solution and left there for 10 minutes. Bean pieces were taken out of the active solution, and each piece was placed in a well in a 32-well tray and allowed to air dry. Three third-instar nymphs of Western plant bug (Lygus bug), Lygus hesperus (Knight), were infested into each well. The percent control determined three days after the treatment were as shown in table 5. The percent control of the pesticidal composition against Lygus bug was determined as the “Observed” action, and compared to those obtained by using about 0.04 weight % of compound I, and using about 0.00125 weight % of spinetoram alone. The “Colby's Expected Action” was calculated using Colby's equation as discussed previously.

TABLE 5 % Control Treatment for Dose Rate Three Days After Lygus Bugs (weight %) Treatment Compound I 0.04 0% Spinetoram 0.00125 0% Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.00125 17% Observed Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.00125 0% Colby's Expected Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.00125 17% Differences: Observed vs. Expected

As shown in table 5, the observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against Lygus bug was about 17% three days after treatment. On the other hand, compound I and spinetoram, when used alone, showed no control against Lygus bug three days after the treatment, and therefore the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation was zero. Thus, the pesticidal composition comprising 0.04 weight % of compound I and 0.00125 weight % of spinetoram showed synergistic effect against Western plant bug, Lygus hesperus.

Example 8B

A pesticidal composition was prepared by thoroughly mixing about 0.04 weight % of compound I with about 0.005 weight % of spinetoram.

The bioassays were performed wherein different active compounds were tested against Western plant bug (Lygus bug), Lygus hesperus (Knight), using the procedure described in example 4A. The percent control against Lygus bug determined three days after the treatment were as shown in table 6.

TABLE 6 % Control Treatment for Dose Rate Three Days Lygus Bugs (weight %) After Treatment Compound I 0.04 0% Spinetoram 0.005 0% Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.005 25% Observed Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.005 0% Colby's Expected Action Compound I (+) Spinetoram 0.04 + 0.005 25% Differences: Observed vs. Expected

As shown in table 6, the observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against Lygus bug was about 25% three days after treatment. On the other hand, compound I and spinetoram, when used alone, showed no control against Lygus bug three days after the treatment, and therefore the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation was zero. Thus, the pesticidal composition comprising 0.04 weight % of compound I and 0.005 weight % of spinetoram showed synergistic effect against Western plant bug, Lygus hesperus.

Example 9

Synergistic Effect of N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I) or N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II) and Spinetoram

A pesticidal composition may be prepared by thoroughly mixing compound I (weight %) or compound II (weight %) with spinetoram (weight %).

The bioassays may be performed for different active compounds against Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), using the same procedure as that described in example 5. The percent control may be determined some time after the treatment.

The bioassays may be performed for different active compounds against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, using the same procedure as that described for example 6. The percent control may be determined some time after the treatment.

The bioassays may be performed for different active compounds against South American Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros, using the same procedure as that described for example 7. The percent control may be determined some time after the treatment.

The bioassays may be performed for different active compounds against Western Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus (Knight), using the same procedure as that described for example 8. The percent control may be determined some time after the treatment.

The observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) is expected to be higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising compound I (weight %) or compound II (weight %) and spinetoram (weight %) is expected to show synergistic effect against Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover).

The observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against diamondback moth is expected to be higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising compound I (weight %) or compound II (weight %) and spinetoram (weight %) is expected to show synergistic effect against diamondback moth.

The observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against South American Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros is expected to be higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising compound I (weight %) or compound II (weight %) and spinetoram (weight %) is expected to show synergistic effect against South American Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros.

The observed percent control of the pesticidal composition against Western Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus (Knight) is expected to be higher than the expected percentage control according to Colby's equation. Therefore, the pesticidal composition comprising compound I (weight %) or compound II (weight %) and spinetoram (weight %) is expected to show synergistic effect against Western Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus (Knight).

While the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been described by way of example in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A pesticidal composition comprising a synergistically effective amount of: a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator agonist compound; and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.


2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises a spinosyns-based compound.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises at least one of spinetoram and spinosad.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises spinetoram.
 5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a phytologically-acceptable inert carrier.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an additive selected from a surfactant, a stabilizer, an emetic agent, a disintegrating agent, an antifoaming agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a binding agent, dye, filler, or combinations thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds having acaricidal, algicidal, avicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, herbicidal, insecticidal, molluscicidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal, virucidal or combinations thereof properties.
 8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds that are antifeedants, bird repellents, chemosterilants, herbicide safeners, insect attractants, insect repellents, mammal repellents, mating disrupters, plant activators, plant growth regulators, synergists, or combinations thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the pesticide selected from (I), (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound is no more than about 10256:1.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the pesticide selected from (I), (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound is no more than about 32:1.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the pesticide selected from (I), (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound is no more than about 8:1.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the pesticide selected from (I), (II) or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the nAChR allosteric activator compound is no more than about 0.40:1.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and the nAChR allosteric activator compound is X: Y; wherein, X is the parts by weight of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and the numerical range is 0<X≦20; Y is the parts by weight of the nAChR allosteric activator compound, and the numerical range is 0<Y≦20.
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the ranges of weight ratios of the pesticide (I), (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and the nAChR allosteric activator compound are X₁:Y₁ to X₂:Y₂, wherein one of the following conditions is satisfied: (a) X₁>Y₁ and X₂<Y₂; or (b) X₁>Y₁ and X₂>Y₂; or (c) X₁<Y₁ and X₂<Y₂.
 15. A method of controlling pests comprising applying the pesticidal composition of claim 1, near a population of pests, in an amount sufficient to control the pests.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises a spinosyn-based compound.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises at least one of spinetoram and spinosad.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises spinetoram.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the pests comprise sap feeding insects, chewing insects, or both.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the pests comprise at least one of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella; cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii; South American brown stink bug, Euschistus heros; Western plant bug, and Lygus Hesperus.
 21. A method for protecting a plant from infestation and attack by pests, the method comprising contacting the plant with the pesticidal composition of claim
 1. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises a spinosyns-based compound.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises at least one of spinetoram and spinosad.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the nAChR allosteric activator compound comprises spinetoram. 